These giant lianas are the basis of an important hallucinogenic drink (Ayahuasca) ritually consumed in the western half of the Amazon Valley and by isolated tribes on Pacific slopes of the Colombian en Ecuadorian Andes. The bark of Banisteriopsis Caapi prepared in cold water or after long boiling, may be taken alone, but various plant additives – especially the leaves of diplopteris cabrerana and of psychotria viridis – are often used to alter the effects of the hallucinogenic drink.

Usage

The bark prepared in cold or boiling water, may be taken alone or with additives – especially the leaves of Diplopteris cabrerana and of Psychotria viridis – which alters the effects. This preparation is drunk as Ayahuasca.The bark can also be chewed.